Boat Makeover: Complete overhaul

Here's a complete overhaul of a 16-foot Lund. Ryan Hoffman of Minnesota converted this standard layout to a front-deck caster's dream on a small budget.

Photo: Ryan Hoffman

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The boat was well laid out, but needed some upgrades.

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After some thought, Hoffman decided to completely gut it and start over.

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Here's another look at the original layout.

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A solid boat on a solid trailer. This project started with an investment, and a vision.

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Moving forward.

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Here is Hoffman's boat completely gutted and ready for a new floor.

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Here's a look at the carpet on the base-layer floor.

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Hoffman began to build the front deck with 2x2s, which provided plenty of support for big men fishing up front, without sacrificing strength.

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He built the front-deck frame to accommodate storage and a stereo. Genius, really.

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Here's another look at the framework.

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He also began to build storage compartments along the side of the boat.

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Here's a look towards the rear with the same framing concept in mind.

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Another angle.

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He chose to place the gas can on the side to make access at the pumps easier. Another fine idea.

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Here you can see progress being made throughout.

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Progress.

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Another view of the side storage.

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Another view of the overall framework.

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Hoffman is adding carpet at this point.

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More of the project is coming together here.

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Another view of the side storage and carpeting.

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Here you can see the floor layout coming together. The stereo and speakers were a nice touch.

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The speakers would require a bit of room behind them, but not to a point that would inconvenience the space.

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Note the seat pedestals in the floor.

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A view from the front of the progress.

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The rear of the boat is nearing completion.

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Side storage as well.

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Here's a closeup of how Hoffman secured and tied the storage boxes to the gunnel of the boat.

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Both sides are about done in this picture.

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Here's another angle.

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Hoffman put hinges on the inside so he could load gear and tackle from the outside of the boat without having to navigate around the hatch lid. Another solid decision.

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Same with the other side.

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He used cardboard to custom pattern the front deck pieces.

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After precise measurements were made, he cut the front components out of two pieces of plywood. Sturdy marine-grade treated plywood was his choice.

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Here's the front deck before the plywood was added ...

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and after.

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Here's a closeup of how he secured it to the boat before adding carpet.

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Starting with the front section.

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A very sturdy deck, indeed.

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Here is the big portion after carpet was installed. Put the carpet on before you fasten the boards. And, plan to leave a little extra fitting room around the perimeter to accommodate about half an inch of carpet.

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Here it is fully installed.

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another view.

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Storage compartment hatches lids installed.

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The two gaps either side of the speakers are to accommodate longer rods.

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Battery storage box lid in the rear of the boat.

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A view from the front of the nearly complete front deck.

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Here it's basically completed.

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Another view.

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Rods in the boat ready for a trip to the local muskie lake.

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Totally done and ready for a bow mouth trolling motor.

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The vision becoming a reality is very satisfying.

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Another look.

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The 24-volt Minn Kota Power Drive is installed and working like a charm.

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Not a ton of open floor space, but comfortable casting space is abundant.

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Here's another look at the finished front deck with the trolling motor mounted.